Watch: Trump signs executive order to override AI regulations by states

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order pressuring states not to regulate artificial intelligence.

Watch Trump’s remarks in the video player above.

Trump and some Republicans argue that the limited regulations that states have already enacted, and others that may follow, will discourage innovation and growth in technology.

Critics from both political parties — as well as civil liberties and consumer rights groups — worry that banning ISIS would be a disservice to major AI companies, which have little or no oversight, and that Trump’s efforts exceed the limits of presidential power.

Here’s what to know about state AI regulations and what Trump signed.

What state-level regulations exist and why

Four states — Colorado, California, Utah and Texas — have passed laws setting some rules for artificial intelligence in the private sector, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

These laws include limiting the collection of certain personal information and requiring more transparency from companies.

These laws come in response to artificial intelligence that is already spreading into everyday life. This technology helps make important decisions for Americans, including deciding who will get a job interview, a home loan, and even certain medical care. But research has shown that they can make mistakes in those decisions, including prioritizing a particular gender or race.

He watches: Critics warn that AI content increases confusion and spreads misinformation

“With a human, I can say, ‘Hey, explain how you came to this conclusion, and what factors did you take into account?’” said Callie Schroeder, director of the AI ​​and Human Rights Program at the public interest group EPIC. “With AI, I can’t ask any of that, and I can’t figure that out. And frankly, half the time the AI ​​programmers couldn’t answer that question.”

The countries’ most ambitious AI regulatory proposals would require private companies to provide transparency and assess the potential risks of discrimination from their AI programs.

Beyond those more sweeping rules, many states have regulated parts of AI: banning the use of deepfakes in elections and the creation of non-consensual pornography, for example, or setting rules around government use of AI.

What the executive order seeks to do

The executive order directs federal agencies to identify burdensome state AI regulations and pressure states not to enact them by withholding federal funding, such as broadband, or challenging state laws in court.

It will also begin the process of developing a lighter regulatory framework for the entire country that would go beyond state AI laws.

It does not seek to preempt certain laws that states have adopted, such as child safety protections related to artificial intelligence and provisions regarding how state governments may procure and use artificial intelligence.

Trump claims that the patchwork of regulations in 50 states hinders the growth of AI companies and allows China to catch up with the United States in the AI ​​race. The president also said that state regulations produce “Woke AI.”

What are the concerns about the system?

Groups advocating for consumer rights and technology regulation are sounding the alarm over Trump’s executive order, arguing that it allows big tech companies to “operate in a vacuum of accountability,” in the words of the nonprofit Issue One.

“After spending millions of dollars on lobbying — including massive donations for a new White House ballroom — Big Tech successfully leveraged those around the president to pass a federal resolution aimed at eliminating bipartisan AI safeguards in both blue and red states,” said Leana Keesing, Policy Director for Tech Reform at Issue One. She added that AI-driven fraud and discriminatory price setting are just some of the harms state laws are trying to prevent.

Child advocacy groups have also expressed deep concerns about generations growing up in a world saturated with artificial intelligence.

“A generation of parents has watched their children become collateral damage of our failure to regulate social media, and now this moratorium threatens to repeat that tragedy with artificial intelligence,” said Shelby Knox, director of online safety campaigns at ParentsTogether Action.

What could be next for the executive order

There’s a good chance this could end up being part of a court battle.

Last month, while the order was in draft form, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser sent a letter to congressional leaders warning them that the state would sue if the order was signed.

On Thursday, California Sen. Scott Wiener, who wrote the AI ​​safety bill that was signed into law in that state this year, said in a statement: “If the Trump administration tries to implement this ridiculous order, we will see them in court.”

In Connecticut, Democratic Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney said Friday that the state plans to move forward with widespread regulation even after the order.

In May, attorneys general in 40 states and territories — Republicans and Democrats — signed a letter to congressional leaders calling on them not to pass a provision preventing state AI regulation for 10 years.

In this case, the president clearly does not have the authority to preempt state laws, says Shatura Roberson, a senior policy counsel at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

“This is an issue about our democracy, and the president cannot through executive order preempt state laws without going through the democratic process,” she said.

Associated Press writers Mead Grover, Susan Hay, Jeff Mulvihill, Tran Nguyen and Barbara Ortutay contributed to this article.